Hi,

I'm really new, but I've been a-lurkin' for a couple weeks now. I just got up the courage to *speak*...

I raring to go to order my new mini. I actually had to put everything on hold to go on vacation, but told the dealer dude I'd be back in a week to make my down payment for the order as son as I got back. Well, I called a few times on Monday and finally left a message. In the meantime, another dealer called me (went through Edmonds for all of that wheeling and dealing) after not contacting me for a few weeks.

Here's my question: I wanna move with the deal, but I feel like I'm being ignored/ Is it a sales ploy? I kinda don't think so, but was also wondering if any of you had similar experiences.

I just want to get that order in for a purty SS/B MC conv pkg/premium pkg/auto and some other stuff I can't recall right now...

thanks!

Really hard to say - my MA was great, but I don't think he even knew my name until I wrote him a check, was great however; answered all my questions, took me for a test drive and has been very patient with me and my family (they have a candy jar)

A buddy of mine went a few weeks ago, and no one came out to see them, they ended up buying a Scion, every one is different. If you want the car you kinda have to pursue it!

Thanks for the encouragement! I seem to have a "nice' rapport with the dude (well, he's a salesman...) I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say he took this July 4th week off for vacation... although this should be a great sales week for cars too.

I got a nice break on the price so I'll give him a little more time, but I think I'll see what the other guy has to offer in the meantime.

Thanks again!

yeah, my MA went on a 2 week vacation the week after I ordered. It's very possible that he's on a little break. If it's been over 2 weeks, then ask for the manager and see what's up, or go with another dealer.

Good idea. He's been pretty cool and responsive so far. But I must take the emotion aspect out of it on the business end (and keep it for the MINI end!) thanks! need my SS/B MC.......

Be careful which dealership. It makes a big differerence. I went with my local Bay Area dealer and I've had bad communication problems and very delayed delivery with them. They just told me that they'd rather cancel my order and sell the car to someone who'd give them a 5 star rating.

If you want more info on my experience with them, PM me.

My advice is drive another 30 min and go to a responsive dealership.

It's a dealers market right now, so don't expect red glove treatment.

They're selling them as fast as they are making them. Sales in June were up 24.8%. If you walk, there will be lots of others behind you.

I would pick the one with the best service department (all things being considered) then suck it up and wait until they get back to you :(

With sales up, MINI dealers get increasingly arrogant. Someday, their sales will drop and they will actually have to work for your business. It happens to every car mark.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

the BIG 3 is having HUGE discount. .

Call dude #2 with dude #1's price. If he matches, buy. If not, wait for dude #1 to return from his supposed vacation. Or just call the receptionist and ask for the sales manager. Say "I was talking to dude #1 about ordering a car and I'm all set to put down a deposit but I can't seem to get ahold of him. I want to make sure he'll be back in the office next week so I get too impatient and go somewhere else." You'll find out quickly if he's there or not. Dealer's market or not, anyone is stupid to say no to someone who wants to give them money.

PS - If you want a convertible anyway, get one of the last 100.

Which dealer and which dude?

If its at Mountain View, they may be still having their labour troubles with the mechanics (I haven't heard anything about that recently). We've always dealt with Jeff at Mountain View, there were a few times he didn't answer but he'd usually come back a day or two later saying he'd had a day off.

Ask to speak with the Motoring Manager.

The Dude just got a hold of me, he was out, so I'm relieved. It's the dude at East Bay in Concord. Ever-so pleasant feller, in a salesman sort of way. I'm really reluctant to go over to Mountain View for anything but a test drive. I saw the Big Rat the mechanics were using to strike with.

But I might go for another test drive today....

thank you for your help eeryone. This thread has been the best therapy for me. It's probably going to evolve into the next step of the purchaing process.....

XOXOXO

BTW,
I just did it. I just ordered my MC. It was actually too easy. I'm now legit, as I have said in other posts. Good luck to all you just-about-to-buy-a-MINI'ers. Danny at East Bay MINI of Concord is the man.